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COURSE CARE

On The Road With The USGA - May 2008
February 27, 2015

On The Road With The USGA - May 2008

By R.A. (Bob) Brame, Director
May 1, 2008

The dry 2007 season has become a statistic in
the record books. Rainfall over the fall, winter, and spring has
placed the lower North Central Region (Indiana, Kentucky and
Ohio) in the normal category on the drought monitor
http://drought.unl.edu/dm/monitor.html
. However the impact from last year's dry weather continues to be
felt in the form of weak, thin rough that needs some attention to
restore good density. For many this means that various key areas
of rough need spot or complete seeding, along with aeration and
fertilization. Green surrounds are particularly high on the
priority list. The process of seeding and cultivating to achieve
good seed-to-soil contact can open the door to weed encroachment.
Click on the following link to review an informative article on
Purdue's web site prior to implementing a seeding program
http://www.agry.purdue.edu/turf/tips/2008/04_10delays.html
.

Whether part of a renovation/seeding program or
a component of routine golf turf management, efficient and
environmentally friendly weed control is dependent upon accurate
identification. Take time to review the University of Kentucky's
weed identification web site (
http://www.uky.edu/Ag/ukturf/weed_id_index.htm
) prior to formulating a control program. Remember, a weed is a
plant growing out of place. Knowing a plant's correct name does
not necessarily make it a weed. As an example, there are no
plants out of place (weeds) in a truly natural predominately
out-of-play rough. Also keep in mind, perfect will never happen
and, as such, something other than grass growth on your course
should be kept in proper perspective - a good topic to discuss
during an onsite visit.

Mole damage is occurring throughout the region,
and although efficient control is not always easy there are
proven strategies that should be separated from the bogus. Review
the following link to aid in ridding your course of moles
http://www.agry.purdue.edu/turf/tips/2008/04_21moles.htm
.

One of the best resources for developing a
disease control program can be found at
/content/dam/usga/pdf/imported/ppa1.pdf
. Several diseases have already been sighted on course visits
this season, and more will follow.

Has your course signed up for a 2008 Turf
Advisory Service visit? There is still time to capitalize on our
early season discount. Commitment and payment must be received
before May 15 to realize a $300 savings. Even with early payment
to secure the discounted rate, visits can be scheduled at any
time during the year that best meets your course's needs. Give us
a call or drop an email to set up a TAS visit for your course
this season. We look forward to working with you.